Hollywood actor Ron Harper, best known for his role in Planet of the Apes, has died at the age of 91.
The actor’s family confirmed on Monday he had died at his home from natural causes.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Harper’s daughter Nicole Longeuey shared the news that her father had died on Thursday at his West Hills home.
One of his biggest roles was in 1974 TV series, Planet of the Apes. He also featured in 1970s series Land of the Lost, and went on to star in popular shows such as Beverly Hills, 90210 and Boy Meets World.
Harper also starred in US soaps Where the Heart Is and Love of Life. He earned a degree from Princeton University before moving to Hollywood to start his theatre career in 1955.
Despite his talent for acting, he was faced with indecision as he also excelled elsewhere, famously turning down a fellowship to Harvard Law School.
The actor is best-known for his role in Planet of the Apes
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Speaking about his decision in 1966, the actor stated: “I kept saying to myself, ‘Should you waste your good education being an actor?’
“And that little voice within me kept saying things like, ‘What do you want to take that fellowship to Harvard Law for? Be an actor. Starving is fun...
“And like the fool that any actor has to be, I listened to that dumb little voice.”
His acting career spanned decades, with the actor appearing in The Soldier and Loving in the 1980s. He also worked alongside Pierce Brosnan on an episode of Remington Steele in 1984.
The actor has died of natural causes
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In 2001, he starred in hit movie Pearl Harbour and four years later featured in Glass Trap before starring thriller The Poughkeepsie Tapes. Harper's final role came in 2015 as Ralph in TV film Kidnapped: The Hannah Anderson Story.
As well as his daughter, Harper is survived by his son-in-law Daniel and his two granddaughters.
Taking to social media, fans have left their tributes to the actor. On X, one wrote: “Sorry to hear about Ron Harper! I loved Garrison’s Gorillas!”
“Ron Harper R.I.P,” another penned along with a string of crying and heartbroken emojis, while another simply added: “Rest in Peace Ron.”
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The actor was appearing on screens until 2015
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“Sad to hear that actor Ron Harper died today at age 91. He starred in the TV series 87th Precinct, Wendy & Me, Planet of the Apes, and my fave Garrison’s Gorillas,” someone else shared.
Another posted: “Actor Ron Harper was one of the nicest celebrities I’ve met!”
“RIP actor #RonHarper, 91. Big part of my childhood. #PlanetOfTheApes TV series was probably my 1st favourite primetime show, followed by #LandOfTheLost, my fave Saturday morning show,” another user added.
